[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 107 (Monday, June 4, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 25556-25558]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-11424]



[[Page 25556]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0117; Product Identifier 2017-NM-104-AD; Amendment 
39-19298; AD 2018-11-10]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-01-07, 
which applied to all Dassault Aviation Model FAN JET FALCON airplanes; 
Model FAN JET FALCON SERIES C, D, E, F, and G airplanes; Model MYSTERE-
FALCON 200 airplanes; Model MYSTERE-FALCON 20-C5, 20-D5, 20-E5, and 20-
F5 airplanes; and Model MYSTERE-FALCON 50 airplanes. AD 2017-01-07 
required a functional test or check of the main entry door closure and 
warning system, and applicable door closing inspections, adjustments, 
operational tests, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD 
requires repetitive door closing inspections, adjustments, operational 
tests, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD was prompted by a 
report indicating that during approach for landing, the main entry door 
detached from an airplane. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective July 9, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of February 10, 
2017 (82 FR 1595, January 6, 2017).

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Dassault Falcon Jet Corporation, Teterboro Airport, P.O. Box 
2000, South Hackensack, NJ 07606; telephone: 201-440-6700; internet: 
http://www.dassaultfalcon.com. You may view this referenced service 
information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th 
St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available on the 
internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2018-0117.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0117; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for the Docket Office (telephone: 800-
647-5527) is Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 
216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax: 206-231-3226.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to supersede AD 2017-01-07, Amendment 39-18774 (82 FR 1595, 
January 6, 2017) (``AD 2017-01-07''). AD 2017-01-07 applied to all 
Dassault Aviation Model FAN JET FALCON airplanes; Model FAN JET FALCON 
SERIES C, D, E, F, and G airplanes; Model MYSTERE-FALCON 200 airplanes; 
Model MYSTERE-FALCON 20-C5, 20-D5, 20-E5, and 20-F5 airplanes; and 
Model MYSTERE-FALCON 50 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal 
Register on March 1, 2018 (83 FR 8807). The NPRM was prompted by a 
report indicating that during approach for landing, the main entry door 
detached from the airplane. The NPRM proposed to continue to require a 
functional test or check of the main entry door closure and warning 
system, and applicable door closing inspections, adjustments, 
operational tests, and corrective actions if necessary. The NPRM also 
proposed to require repetitive door closing inspections, adjustments, 
operational tests, and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing 
this AD to detect and correct defective crew/passenger doors. Such a 
condition could result in the in-flight opening or detachment of the 
crew/passenger door, which could result in loss of control of the 
airplane and injury to persons on the ground.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 
2017-0123, dated July 20, 2017 (referred to after this as the Mandatory 
Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an 
unsafe condition for all Dassault Aviation Model FAN JET FALCON 
airplanes; Model FAN JET FALCON SERIES C, D, E, F, and G airplanes; 
Model MYSTERE-FALCON 200 airplanes; Model MYSTERE-FALCON 20-C5, 20-D5, 
20-E5, and 20-F5 airplanes; and Model MYSTERE-FALCON 50 airplanes. The 
MCAI states:

    During approach for landing, at an altitude of 7,000 feet, a 
MF20-D5 lost the main entry door (MED). The flight crew maintained 
control of the aeroplane to land uneventfully. The results of the 
preliminary technical investigations concluded that the cause of 
this event could be either a broken cable, or an unlocked safety 
catch, associated with one or two deficient micro switches.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to in-
flight opening and/or detachment of the MED, possibly resulting in 
loss of control of the aeroplane, and/or injury to persons on the 
ground.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Dassault issued 
Service Bulletin (SB) F20-789, SB F200-133 and SB MF50-531, 
providing instructions for inspection/adjustment, and an operational 
test of the MED closure. Consequently, EASA issued AD 2015-0007 
[which corresponds to FAA AD 2017-01-07] to require a one-time 
accomplishment of a functional test/check of the MED closure/warning 
system. It also required [a general visual] inspection and 
operational test of the MED [including the control and latching 
mechanisms] and, depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable 
corrective action(s).
    Since that [EASA] AD was issued, EASA determined that the 
inspection and operational test of the MED must be repeated to 
ensure continued safety.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2015-0007, which is superseded, and 
additionally requires repetitive inspections and operational tests 
of the MED.

    Corrective actions include adjusting the telescopic rod bolts on 
the door until the clearance between the lower part of the door and the 
fuselage is within the specified tolerances. The corrective actions for 
the control and latching mechanisms include adjusting components and 
replacing damaged components (including pull latches, microswitches, 
pulleys, and cables). Signs of damage include cracks, corrosion, wear, 
and distortion. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the 
internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2018-0117.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or

[[Page 25557]]

on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed except for 
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Dassault Aviation has issued the following service information.
     Dassault Service Bulletin F20-789, also referred to as 
789, dated December 9, 2014.
     Dassault Service Bulletin F50-531, also referred to as 
531, dated December 9, 2014.
     Dassault Service Bulletin F200-133, also referred to as 
133, dated December 9, 2014.
    This service information describes procedures for inspections, 
adjustments, and operational tests of certain doors and corrective 
actions. These documents are distinct since they apply to different 
airplane models. This service information is reasonably available 
because the interested parties have access to it through their normal 
course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 392 airplanes of U.S. registry. We 
estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                Cost on U.S.
              Action                    Labor cost        Parts cost    Cost per product          operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspections/adjustments/           4 work-hours x $85             $0  $340................  $133,280.
 operational tests (retained        per hour = $340.
 actions from AD
 2017[dash]01[dash]07).
Inspections/adjustments/           4 work-hours x $85              0  $340 per inspection   $133,280 per
 operational tests (new actions).   per hour = $340 per                cycle.                inspection cycle.
                                    inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this AD.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to transport category airplanes to 
the Director of the System Oversight Division.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct 
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national 
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
    4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2017-01-07, Amendment 39-18774 (82 FR 1595, January 6, 2017), and 
adding the following new AD:

2018-11-10 Dassault Aviation: Amendment 39-19298; Docket No. FAA-
2018-0117; Product Identifier 2017-NM-104-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective July 9, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2017-01-07, Amendment 39-18774 (82 FR 1595, 
January 6, 2017) (``AD 2017-01-07'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the airplanes specified in paragraphs (c)(1) 
through (c)(4) of this AD, certificated in any category, all serial 
numbers.
    (1) Dassault Aviation Model FAN JET FALCON, FAN JET FALCON 
SERIES C, D, E, F, and G airplanes.
    (2) Dassault Aviation Model MYSTERE-FALCON 200 airplanes.
    (3) Dassault Aviation Model MYSTERE-FALCON 20-C5, 20-D5, 20-E5, 
and 20-F5 airplanes.
    (4) Dassault Aviation Model MYSTERE-FALCON 50 airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52, Doors.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report indicating that during approach 
for landing, the main entry door detached from an airplane. We are 
issuing this AD to detect and correct defective crew/passenger 
doors.

[[Page 25558]]

Such a condition could result in the in-flight opening or detachment 
of the crew/passenger door, which could result in loss of control of 
the airplane and injury to persons on the ground.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Retained Main Entry/Passenger/Crew Door Closing Inspections, 
Adjustments, and Operational Tests and Corrective Actions, With No 
Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2017-01-07, with no changes. Within 330 flight hours or 13 months, 
whichever occurs first after February 10, 2017 (the effective date 
of AD 2017-01-07), unless already done: Do the applicable door 
closing inspections, adjustments, and operational tests, and do all 
applicable corrective actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the applicable service information identified in 
paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3) of this AD. Do all applicable 
corrective actions before further flight.
    (1) For Model FAN JET FALCON airplanes; Model FAN JET FALCON 
SERIES C, D, E, F, and G airplanes; and Model MYSTERE-FALCON 20-C5, 
20-D5, 20-E5, and 20-F5 airplanes: Dassault Service Bulletin F20-
789, also referred to as 789, dated December 9, 2014.
    (2) For Model MYSTERE-FALCON 200 airplanes: Dassault Service 
Bulletin F200-133, also referred to as 133, dated December 9, 2014.
    (3) For Model MYSTERE-FALCON 50 airplanes: Dassault Service 
Bulletin F50-531, also referred to as 531, dated December 9, 2014.

(h) New Requirement of This AD: Repetitive Main Entry/Passenger/Crew 
Door Closing Inspections, Adjustments, and Operational Tests and 
Corrective Actions

    Within 72 months after accomplishing the actions required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
72 months, repeat the actions specified in paragraph (g) of this AD, 
and do all applicable corrective actions, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service information 
identified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3) of this AD. Do all 
applicable corrective actions before further flight.

(i) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Section, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for 
this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In 
accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal 
inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. 
If sending information directly to the International Section, send 
it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j)(2) of 
this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
    (i) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.
    (ii) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2017-01-07 are approved as 
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this AD.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: As of the effective date of 
this AD, for any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions 
from a manufacturer, the action must be accomplished using a method 
approved by the Manager, International Section, Transport Standards 
Branch, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or 
Dassault Aviation's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If 
approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized 
signature.

(j) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2017-0123, dated July 20, 2017, for related 
information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the internet 
at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket 
No. FAA-2018-0117.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Tom Rodriguez, 
Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards 
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 
and fax: 206-231-3226.

 (k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
February 10, 2017 (82 FR 1595, January 6, 2017).
    (i) Dassault Service Bulletin F20-789, also referred to as 789, 
dated December 9, 2014.
    (ii) Dassault Service Bulletin F50-531, also referred to as 531, 
dated December 9, 2014.
    (iii) Dassault Service Bulletin F200-133, also referred to as 
133, dated December 9, 2014.
    (4) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Dassault Falcon Jet Corporation, Teterboro Airport, P.O. Box 2000, 
South Hackensack, NJ 07606; telephone: 201-440-6700; internet: 
http://www.dassaultfalcon.com.
    (5) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport 
Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
206-231-3195.
    (6) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on May 21, 2018.
James Cashdollar,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-11424 Filed 6-1-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


